Jud Turner
{Photo Gallery}

Artist's Website: www.judturner.com

Artist’s Statement

March 2005

When I look at the world around me, I see certain forms and patterns that have a strong pull on my imagination. I feel compelled to capture some of these fleeting ideas and sensations by making permanent, physical records of them: my art work. For the past 10 years, most of my artistic output has been metal sculpture made by welding steel; prior to my focus on sculpture, I drew and painted in oils.

I allow myself to be influenced by whatever I find visually interesting: animals, forms found in nature, manmade monolithic structures, even dream events or hallucinations. Some of these influences are so simple they are hard to put into words, while others have origins which are apparent to me. Words often do a poor job of communicating visual experience; therefore, I choose to leave most of my work untitled.

I enjoy the way that opposites can play against each other (i.e.- hard metal that appears organic and soft; or sharp forms that seem to threaten soft forms; or clean, shiny metal juxtaposed with old rusting farm artifacts). I also enjoy the physical processes involved in creating my artwork: welding/grinding/machining metal can be very meditative.

Biographical Information

I was born in Eugene, Oregon, and raised by the two incredible people I am lucky enough to call my parents. A high premium was placed on education and creativity when I was growing up. I have always drawn, painted, sculpted – tried to make some sort of tangible impression on the world around me. My approach is simple – I just do whatever I want to do, without much examination of why or what it might mean. I follow my most base level attractions to certain forms or themes. I received training in drawing and painting at the University of Oregon, under Professor Ron Graff and the late Professor Frank Okada, both renowned artists and educators.

I am employed full time at Lane Community College, as a vocational coordinator for adult students who experience developmental disabilities. This means that my income is not dependent on the sale of my sculpture, so I am free to make anything that pleases me, regardless of its potential to sell.

Currently, I live and work in Eugene, Oregon with my beautiful wife, Melissa, and three cats. I spend as much time as possible welding, working, and laughing.